CONGRESSMAN
Virginia will receive nearly $190 million to support rural health care improvements under a new federal program backed by Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., according to an announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
CMS said Virginia has been awarded $189,544,888 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created through H.R. 1, legislation supported by Cline. He also joined other members of Virginia’s Republican House delegation in backing the Commonwealth’s successful grant application.
“I was proud to support Virginia’s application and help secure nearly $190 million to improve access to quality health care in our rural communities,” Cline said in a statement. “This investment will expand access to care for families who often face long travel times and provider shortages, support and retain rural health care workers, and modernize facilities so they can better meet the needs of patients across the Commonwealth.”
Cline said the funding is aimed at strengthening rural health care systems by improving access to care close to home, addressing workforce challenges and upgrading facilities to better serve patients.
The Rural Health Transformation Program includes $50 billion in funding to be distributed to approved states over five years. CMS will allocate $10 billion annually from 2026 through 2030, with states eligible to receive additional funding each year during that period.
Cline represents Virginia’s 6th Congressional District, which includes much of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding rural communities.
-The Salem Times-Register
